PDB Shootout Crest

First Impression

Who says you can’t find a fully-loaded pontoon with power for under $50K? Crest proves it can be done and then some with its new model for 2019 that is built to lure families to the water. 

Highlights

There are too many standard features to mention each one, but one added touch worth noting is the two-tone exterior panels that truly customize the look. The blue panel gives just the right amount of a color splash and that same blue is tied in to the interior as an accent color on the vinyl seats. Speaking of seating, not only is the furniture comfortable, but the rear seating layout is extremely versatile as well. It can easily be converted from a rear-facing lounge to a great conversation area with the two seats facing each other. We also like the cupholder as well as the compartment built into the main lounger for your passengers to store small items.

The dual helm chairs at midship are a popular layout design, ensuring the first mate is as comfortable as the driver with both chairs able to recline and include moveable armrests. At the high-end-looking fiberglass helm console is a sporty dash with easy-to-read gauges and a row of rocker switches below. For the captain there is also a Cooled cupholder that will keep your beverage chilled, even on a hot day. This is also where the controls are to access the FUSION stereo, which sounds amazing through the four lighted speakers. If we had to be picky, this pontoon could use a couple more speakers in the stern because you know this is the area of the boat where your passengers will be gathering. 

Other key features include two chaise lounges in the bow with a pop-up enclosure built into the back of the portside one and the changing room stands 6 feet tall when open. Plus there is a large in-floor ski locker and a powder coated ski/tow bar to round out the highlights. 

Inspection

Below deck the three 25-inch diameter pontoons are chambered into four pressurized sections with .125-gauge aluminum end caps for added durability. The three tubes are part of the CPT package that also includes an aluminum underskin, lifting strakes, SeaStar hydraulic steering and a stainless steel ski/tow bar. Above deck the powder coated rails stand at a consistent 28 inches tall around the perimeter of the boat, earning it a high family-friendly rating.

Performance

She handles great, especially with the Suzuki 175hp engine on the back. Acceleration out of the hole was gradual with a zero-to-20 mph time of 5.56 seconds and at wide open throttle we reached speeds in the mid 30s. But it’s the way this hull allows the boat to bank in turns that impressed us the most.

Parting Thought

From the comfortable and versatile layout to the color scheme and performance, this Crest II has a lot going for it that will work with a lot of budgets. It’s rated for up to 12 passengers and there is a comfortable seat for every one of them.  

For More Information:
Owosso, Mich.
989-725-5188
www.crestpontoonboats.com

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of Occupants: 12                   
Price As Tested With Power: $48K
Maximum Speed: 33.9 mph                   
Wild Ponies: 175 hp
No. of Gates: 3
0-20 MPH: 5.56 seconds 
Ladder Measurement: 4” deep

Why we love this boat…It’s nice to see that quality pontoons with 175 horses on the back can still be found unde $50K. 

Just being picky… Great FUSION sound system but we feel it could use a couple more speakers, especially in the stern where those versatile rear lounger seats are located.

NOTABLE STANDARDS

Heavy-duty powder coated rails, custom mooring cover, FUSION stereo w/4 speakers, tilt wheel, 2-tone exterior panels, full instrumentation, Captain’s Cooled cupholder, custom cast corner castings and threshold cover.

OPTIONS ON TEST BOAT

LE pkg., Premium sound system w/ lighted speakers, in-dash depth finder, CPT Triple Tube pkg., powder coated ski/tow bar, LED under-deck lights and in-floor ski locker.

VITAL STATS
LOA: 23’ 5”             
Beam: 8’ 6”
Hull Design: Three Pontoons
Dry Weight: 2,458 lbs.
Fuel Capacity: 40 gallons

TEST DRIVE
Engine: Suzuki 175
Cylinder Type: Inline 4
Cubic-inch Displacement/Horsepower: 174.9ci/175hp
Lower Unit Gear Ratio: 2.50:1
Propeller: 14 1/2 X 17

RPM     vs.      SPEED     vs.    DB-A
800                  1.2                     72
1000                2.8                     79
1500                4.6                     81.5
2000                7                        84
2500                9.6                     83.5
3000                13                      91
3500                18.4                   93.5
4000                22                      97
4500                26.2                   97
5000                32                      100
5500                33                      98.5
6000                33.9                   100

PRICE
Price As Tested (Boat and Motor): $47,995 
Base Price (Boat Only): $28,215

This article originally appeared in our 2019 Shootout issue. If you are interested in seeing more boat tests like this, click HERE to subscribe.